Injury to Taha Kemara in mid-season gave Northlander Reihana a chance he has taken with both hands to be a significant playmaker for the Crusaders.
"Consistent minutes have been awesome for me, stacking performances on each other and I'm lucky I have got some world-class players both inside and outside me to make my job easy and allow me to focus on my game."
But before the final, Reihana said the Crusaders are focused on what they can control. He is well aware of the challenge McKenzie provides because he was a role model for Reihana when they were both part of the Chiefs' squad (2021-23).
However, the Crusaders wouldn't be concentrating on one player.
Their two losses earlier in the season to the Chiefs ensured that.
They had a powerful, loose-forward trio and were a threat at the breakdown.
"It's nullifying them, keeping them quiet all night and being able to build phases with the ball in hand is going to be crucial for us.
"I know these boys [Chiefs] well and their mindset. I know what they want to achieve with the ball in hand and then on defence. In terms of preview, it's been nice knowing those things.
"But they're a different team to two years ago and we have to expect everything."
Coach Rob Penney said first five-eighths Rivez Reihana's performances had not been a revelation.
"We knew what he was capable of and he's been able to stack some games together. His performances are worthy of a young man of his calibre."
"We've been outstanding over the last month with our defence and it's making sure we limiting the opportunities via penalties and free kicks as much as we can. A lot of it is in our control, which is a good thing."
Penney said it was unlucky for prop George Bower not to be starting after doing an 'amazing' job for the side in Tamaiti Williams' absence.
"But Tamaiti has got himself back into selection and he's going to get the opportunity."
Macca Springer has been named as Chay Fihaki's replacement on the wing.
"Chay's been gold for us. He's one of the standouts in several areas, and his mid-season competition with Macca was one of the highlights, with many selectorial debates.
"Chay ended up getting the nod and proved his worth. Macca's been training hard behind the scenes, and you always say to your players, an opportunity will come; be ready.
"Now it's coming and he's ready. We've all got faith in him and, hopefully, he's got deep faith in himnself and we'll see that on Saturday."